Lenny Keitel: Got a job offer? Trust, but verify

There is no way to put a price tag on being offered a position about which you are passionate and jubilant after having undergone a lengthy and exasperating job search.

Bear in mind, however, that your job search is not complete until an offer letter is in hand.

Don't overlook the details

It should come as no surprise that the offer letter is the official offer of employment. An offer letter is typically mailed after negotiations have been completed. Did you look out for your best interests during the discussions? Time and again, especially in a daunting job market, job-seekers are so ecstatic to finally find a job that they lose sight of their due diligence to inquire further about the details of their employment. This may be the result of blindly trusting what they have been advised or simply being reticent to speak up for fear of rocking the boat.

Consider the job interview process as a series of first dates. The employer is trying to impress you with the organization's positive attributes while omitting or downplaying any shortcomings. A verbal employment offer represents the culmination of a lengthy interview process. It also signals the next phase of the hiring process — the negotiation.

The negotiation

The employer has expended a considerable amount of time and effort to locate a candidate whom it feels will best serve the needs of the organization. Based on this substantial commitment, you should never feel bashful about requesting that certain aspects of the employment relationship be put in writing to dispel any ambiguities regarding expectations. This will ensure that both parties get off on the right foot in a new relationship. Other than compensation, supplemental points of discussion that may be requested in writing include:

Once the details have all been ironed out, expect an offer letter with a rather short, near-term expiration date. Based on a significant commitment in time and manpower, a company wants you onboard without any further delay. It's a tactic to deter you from potentially seeking a competitive offer from another interested company. Unless a discrepancy is noted in the offer letter, it's time to reciprocate and commit.

As a reminder, most employment offer letters or addendums incorporate a background screening clause. This clause is nonnegotiable and authorizes an employee background check. Such screening is typically outsourced to a third party and may include drug-testing, employment verifications, criminal records checks and a review of professional credentials. Consequently, it's important to always be truthful.

To summarize

In today's turbulent marketplace, company loyalty is an archaic concept. Corporate focus does not rest on employee tenure and contribution. Today's culture is bottom-line oriented, with a keen focus on revenue and profitability. As a new hire, you are ultimately exposed to the same cost-cutting virus that currently afflicts much of corporate America. An offer letter serves as a hedge against potential bouts of employer amnesia regarding employment details that were verbally committed to when you were hired.

Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes (www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com), a resume writing service in Monroe. He can be reached at info@hudsonvalleyresumes.com, 782-6714 or 914-391-5300.